Salicylic acid and jasmonic acid-mediated different fate of nickel phytoremediation in two populations of Alyssum inflatum Nyár.

This study investigates Ni phytoremediation and accumulation potential in the presence of salicylic acid (SA) (0, 50 and 200 µM) and jasmonic acid (JA) (0, 5 and 10 µM) in two populations of Alyssum inflatum under various nickel (Ni) doses (0, 100 and 400 µM). By measuring Ni levels in the shoots and roots, values of bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC), biological concentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) were calculated to quantify Ni accumulation and translocation between plant organs. Additionally, the amounts of histidine (His), citric acid (CA) and malic acid (MA) were explored. The results showed that plant dry weight (DW) [in shoot (29.8%, 8.74%) and in root (21.6%, 24.4%)] and chlorophyll [a (17.1%, 32.5%), b (10.1%, 30.9%)] declined in M and NM populations respectively, when exposed to Ni (400 µM). Conversely, the levels of MA [in shoot (37.0%, 32.0%) and in root (25.5%, 21.2%)], CA [in shoot (17.0%, 10.0%) and in root (47.9%, 37.2%)] and His [in shoot (by 1.59- and 1.34-fold) and in root (by 1.24- and 1.18-fold)] increased. Also, in the presence 400 µM Ni, the highest accumulation of Ni was observed in shoots of M (1392 µg/g DW) and NM (1382 µg/g DW). However, the application of SA and JA (especially in Ni 400 µM + SA 200 µM + JA 5 and 10 µM treatments) mitigated the harmful impact of Ni on physiological parameters. Also, a decreasing trend was observed in the contents of MA, CA, and His. The reduction of these compounds as important chelators of Ni caused a decrease in root-to-shoot Ni transfer and reducing accumulation in the shoots of both populations. The values of phytoremediation indices in both populations exposed to Ni (400 µM) were above one. In presence of the SA and JA, these indices showed a decreasing trend, although the values remained above one (BAC, BCF and TF > 1). Overall, the results indicated that SA and JA can reduce phytoremediation potential of the two populations through different mechanisms.

Rethinking treatment paradigms: Neoadjuvant therapy and de-escalation strategies in HPV-positive head and neck cancer.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the 6th most common cancer across the world, with a particular increase in HNC associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) among younger populations. Historically, the standard treatment for this disease consisted of combined surgery and radiotherapy or curative platinum-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy, with associated long term and late toxicities. However, HPV-positive HNC is recognized as a unique cancer subtype, typically with improved clinical outcomes. As such, treatment de-escalation strategies have been widely researched to mitigate the adverse effects associated with the current standard of care without compromising efficacy. These strategies include treatment de-escalation, such as novel surgical techniques, alternative radiation technologies, radiation dose and volume reduction, as well as neoadjuvant chemotherapies, immunotherapies, and combined therapies. Although these therapies show great promise, many of them are still under investigation due to hesitation surrounding their widespread implementation. The objective of this review is to summarize the most recent progress in de-escalation strategies and neoadjuvant therapies designed for HPV-positive HNC. While specific treatments may require additional research before being widely adopted, encouraging results from recent studies have highlighted the advantages of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as radiation and surgical de-escalation approaches in managing HPV-positive HNC.

The effect of Froriepia subpinnata on the performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immune system, microbial population, intestinal morphology, and breast meat fatty acid content of broiler chickens.

The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of F. subpinnata powder (FSP) on the performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immune system, microbial population, intestinal morphology, and percentage of fatty acids in the breast meat of broiler chickens. A total of 300 day-old male chickens from the ROSS 308 strain were used in the form of a completely random design with four treatments of five replicates (15 birds each). The experimental treatments were, respectively, (1) control with base diet (without additives), (2) base diet + 1% FSP, (3) base diet + 2% FSP, and (4) base diet + 3% FSP. The results showed that the feed intake and weight gain increased in the treatments containing 2% and 3% FSP when compared to the control (P < 0.05). Cholesterol and ALT levels in the treatment containing 3% FSP were lower that the control (P < 0.05), while the concentration of glutathione peroxidase enzyme in the treatment containing 3% FSP significantly increased (P < 0.05). Thymus weight and antibodies produced against AIV in all three levels of FSP increased significantly compared to the control (P < 0.05). The population of lactobacilli and coliforms in the treatments containing FSP increased and decreased significantly compared to the control (P < 0.05). The length and width of the intestinal villi of the chickens that were fed with 3% of FSP had a significant increase compared to the control (P < 0.05). The percentage of saturated fatty acids in the breast decreased significantly with the consumption of all three levels of FSP (P < 0.001). In general, the results showed that the use of 3% FSP in the broiler diet increased the efficiency of growth performance and enzyme activity, while strengthening the immune system, favorably altering the intestinal microbial population, and reducing the fat in breast meat.

Zeolite-supplemented diets in the prenatal period affected postpartum reproductive parameters, colostrum production, and body condition score of dairy cows.

Objective: The effect of zeolite on Ca plasma concentration, reproductive parameters, body condition score (BCS), and colostrum properties was evaluated in Holstein dairy cows during the postpartum period. Materials and Methods: Sixty pregnant cows were allocated to three experimental groups, including 1) a control (CON) diet; 2) a CON diet + 0.75% dry matter (DM) zeolite (100 gm/day/cow); and 3) a CON diet + 1.5% DM zeolite (200 gm/day/cow). Experimental diets were fed to cows during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. Blood sample evaluation for Ca concentration was done. The prevalence of hypocalcemia and reproductive parameters, including BCS and colostrum properties, was also measured. Results: Total Ca and ionized calcium (Ca++) concentrations in plasma at 6 and 12 h after calving were higher in zeolite-consuming cows than those in CON s (p < 0.01). Mean frequencies for severe and subclinical hypocalcemia in zeolite-consuming cows were 11.64% and 19.36% lower than those in the CON group, respectively (p < 0.01). The mean pregnancy efficiency of these cows was also 12.94% higher than the CON (p < 0.01). The mean BCS (p ≤ 0.05) and colostrum quality (p < 0.01) of zeolite-consuming cows were at maximum, but their mean colostrum yield was lower than that of the CON group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Zeolite dietary supplementation at levels of 0.75% and 1.5% DM of the preparturient diet is recommended for better CON of hypocalcemia, improved BCS and colostrum quality, and better prevention of postpartum reproductive disorders in dairy cows.

Estimation of microbial protein synthesis in the rumen of growing lambs based on the purine derivative excretions and the dietary forage-to-concentrate ratio.

Objective: Estimating microbial protein synthesis (MPS) in the rumen of growing lambs based on the urinary excretion of purine derivatives (PDs) and forage to concentrate (F/C) ratio. Materials and Methods: 36 similar-growing male lambs (weight 32.53 ± 1.90 kg; age 93 ± 6.63 days) were used in a completely randomized design with four groups: a) the 20-80 F/C ratio (dry hay 10% + wheat straw 10%), b) the 20-80 F/C ratio (dry hay 0% + wheat straw 20%), c) the 10-90 F/C ratio (dry hay 5% + wheat straw 5%), d) and the 10-90 F/C ratio (dry hay 0% + wheat straw 10%) with nine replicates. Results: Total PD and rumen MPS synthesized increased (10.98 vs. 13.25 mmol/day and 59.45 vs. 71.80 gm/day) in group d compared to group a. Dry organic matter intake (0.869 kg/day), fermentable dry organic matter (0.563 kg/day), and microbial nitrogen (N) yield (11.48 gm/day) of group d were at the maximum, but in terms of gN/kg dry organic matter (22.37 gm/kg), the mean of group c was higher than others. Conclusion: Increasing the level of food concentrate and the gradual removal of alfalfa from the diet increased the excretion of PD and MPS in the rumen. It was also found that urinary PD monitoring is an accurate indicator for the estimation of MPS.

Phycoremediation potential and agar yield of red macroalgae (Gracilaria corticata) against HEDP (hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid) and CAPB (cocoamidopropyl betaine) detergents and the heavy metal pollutants.

The discharge of raw industrial, agricultural, and domestic wastes leads to an increase in heavy metal (HM) burden and detergents in aquatic environs, which can have destructive effects on aquatic organisms. Agarophyte Gracilaria corticata, a major component of seaweed flora of the southern coast of Iran (Bushehr) that contains agar and red pigments, is one of the economically valuable red marine algae. Agar is one of the important polysaccharides with high economic value, widely used in pharmaceutical, medicinal, and cosmetic product manufacturing industries. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of 5 HMs and two common surfactants in household and industrial detergents on the agar yield, appearance color, and the red algae's phycoremediation potential against HMs. The metal ions were Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Mn(II), and Cr(VI), and the surfactants were HEDP and CAPB. The analysis results of samples cultured for 60 days in seawater and polluted environments showed that G. corticata can accumulate copper and nickel. In the presence of detergents without HMs, the amount of extracted agar significantly increased compared to the control sample with no change in algae color. But with increasing concentration of HMs, the amount of agar in seaweed samples decreased significantly, and the algae discolored from red to dark green or yellowish-green color (signs of death in the algae). These results show that increasing of HM pollution and detergents can lead to toxicological effects and reduce the species diversity of red seaweeds in the future.

Effect of Anionic and Zeolite Supplements and Oral Calcium Bolus in Prepartum Diets on Feed Intake, Milk Yield and Milk Compositions, Plasma Ca Concentration, Blood Metabolites and the Prevalence of Some Reproductive Disorders in Fresh Dairy Cows.

Hypocalcaemia is an important disorder associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases, and many studies have been going on for decades. This study investigated the effects of anionic and zeolite with an oral Ca bolus in the prepartum phase on milk yields and compositions, and plasma Ca concentrations, blood metabolites and the prevalence of some reproductive disorders in dairy cows after parturition. Ninety pregnant non-lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were randomly assigned to three isoenergetic diets and their counterparts using an oral Ca bolus: (1) Control (CON): low Ca (0.44%); (2) Anionic (ANI): high Ca (1.00%); (3) Zeolite (ZEO): low Ca (0.44%). The feed and energy intakes of the CON and ZEO groups were higher than the ANI group. The raw milk yield, Pr%, and feed efficiency did not differ between the groups, while the corrected milk yield, fat% and total corrected milk yield at 305 days differed between groups. Total plasma and the ionized Ca concentration of the ANI and ZEO groups, at calving time and in 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after that, were higher than in the CON group. The frequencies of hypocalcaemia and reproductive disorders in the ANI and ZEO groups were lower than in the CON. The blood metabolite levels in the CON group were higher than in other groups. In conclusion, the ANI and ZEO diets and their counterparts supplemented with an oral Ca bolus improved the milk production traits, plasma calcium and metabolites concentration and also effectively prevented reproductive disorders.

Preparation and characterization of chloridazon-loaded alginate/chitosan nanocapsules.

In addition to the detrimental environmental effects of herbicides, including the pollution of soil, atmosphere, groundwater aquifers and run-off water, the lack of caution and direct or indirect exposure to these products can cause short-term and long-term human health effects. However, nanotechnology, with its many applications, can be very helpful in improving agriculture and reducing the side effects of chemicals used in agriculture. Nano-encapsulation of chemicals used in agriculture is one of the strategies to improve precision agriculture. Nano-encapsulated herbicides are controlled membrane systems in which the active ingredient is coated with semi-permeable membranes, which may be organic or inorganic polymers. In our study, chloridazon herbicide was selected as the active ingredient for Nano-encapsulation. Like many other agricultural herbicides, the major problem with this herbicide is environmental pollution and its adverse health effects. The ionic gelation method was used to synthesize nanocapsules consisting of alginate and chitosan for chloridazon encapsulation. Alginate-chitosan nanoparticles were prepared in a two-step process involving the ionotropic pre-gelation of an alginate core and then the formation of a chitosan polyelectrolyte complex. The alginate-chitosan nanocapsules containing chloridazon were synthesized at a size of 253 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.266 and a zeta potential of -1.43 mV. The loading capacity and entrapment efficiency of these nanocapsules were 14% and 57%, respectively. The study of chloridazon release from formulated alginate-chitosan nanocapsules was performed using dialysis tube testing and UV spectroscopy. The results of our study showed controlled release of chloridazon from loaded alginate-chitosan nanocapsules. In general, alginate-chitosan nanocapsules as a Nano-carrier, have the potential to become a commercial formulation for chloridazon encapsulation. On the other hand, controlled release and increasing the duration of action of chloridazon, along with reducing the required dose, is promising in reducing the adverse health and environmental effects caused by chloridazon and improving precision agriculture.

Exogenous supplementation of Sulfur (S) and Reduced Glutathione (GSH) Alleviates Arsenic Toxicity in Shoots of Isatis cappadocica Desv and Erysimum allionii L.

The current study was conducted to investigate the role of sulfur (S) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in mitigating arsenic (As) toxicity in Isatis cappadocica and Erysimum allionii. These plants were exposed for 3 weeks to different concentrations (0, 400 and 800 µM) of As to measure fresh weight, total chlorophyll, proline and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, As and S accumulation, and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) along with the supplementation of 20 mg L-1 of S and 500 µM of GSH. Results revealed the significant reduction of fresh weight (especially in E. allionii), activities of POD and GST enzymes and proline content as compare to control. However, the application of S and GSH enhanced the fresh weight. Inhibition in H2O2 accumulation and improvement in antioxidant responses were measured with the application of S and GSH. Hence, the supplementation of S and GSH enhanced fresh weight and total chlorophyll in both I. cappadocica and E. allionii by alleviating the adverse effects of As stress via decreased H2O2 content and restricted As uptake.

Uptake, translocation, phytotoxicity, and hormetic effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) in Nigella arvensis L.

The extensive application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) in agro-industrial practices leads to their high accumulation in the environment or agricultural soils. However, their threshold and ecotoxicological impacts on plants are still poorly understood. In this study, the hormetic effects of TiO2NPs at a concentration range of 0-2500 mg/L on the growth, and biochemical and physiological behaviors of Nigella arvensis in a hydroponic system were examined for three weeks. The translocation of TiO2NPs in plant tissues was characterized through scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). The bioaccumulation of total titanium (Ti) was quantified by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Briefly, the elongation of roots and shoots and the total biomass growth were significantly promoted at 100 mg/L TiO2NPs. As the results indicated, TiO2NPs had a hormesis effect on the proline content, i.e., a stimulating effect at the low concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/L and an inhibiting effect in the highest concentration of 2500 mg/L. A biphasic dose-response was observed against TiO2NPs in shoot soluble sugar and protein contents. The inhibitory effects were detected at ≥1000 mg/L TiO2NPs, where the synthesis of chlorophylls and carotenoid was reduced. At 1000 mg/ L, TiO2NPs significantly promoted the cellular H2O2 generation, and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, it enhanced the total antioxidant content (TAC), total iridoid content (TIC), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. Overall, the study revealed the physiological and biochemical alterations in a medicinal plant affected by TiO2NPs, which can help to use these NPs beneficially by eliminating their harmful effects.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of diosmin content of hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) in response to salinity stress.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) is a perennial subshrub, which is distributed across the eastern Mediterranean region to central Asia. One of the most important bioactive compounds of hyssop is diosmin, a flavone glycoside of diosmetin, with application in the field of cardiovascular therapy. Salinity as one of the most essential environmental stress factors is able to alter secondary metabolite content in plants. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of salinity on the levels of total flavonoid content and diosmin in hyssop. Accordingly, salinity stress was imposed by watering plants with four different concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) (50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) for 4 weeks. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used for purification of diosmin from dried leaves and measurement of it in dried shoots. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was applied for determination of the structure of diosmin. The obtained results showed that high salinity levels lead to a higher amount of total flavonoid and diosmin content in treated plants. Although alteration in diosmin content was not significant in treatments up to 100 mM NaCl, higher amounts of diosmin were observed in 150 and 200 mM NaCl salinity levels. We concluded that the contents of total flavonoid and diosmin were significantly elevated after exposure of hyssop plants to salt stress conditions.

Multiple effects of silicon on alleviation of arsenic and cadmium toxicity in hyperaccumulator Isatis cappadocica Desv.

Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) belong to the group of major pollutants extremely toxic to plants. Metal hyperaccumulating plants play an important role in phytoextraction of heavy metals. Silicon (Si) plays an important role in the amelioration of heavy metal stress through physio-biochemical mechanisms, which remain poorly understood in hyperaccumulators. The main purpose of this study was to determine the impact of Si on growth and performance of As hyperaccumulator Isatis cappadocica Desv., exposed to As and Cd. Results showed that Si (especially at 1 mM level) alleviated the harmful impact of As/Cd and significantly increased the root and shoot biomass, root and shoot length and chlorophyll contents of I. cappadocica by enhancing the plant defense mechanisms. Between the two investigated harmful elements, As was accumulated in plant parts significantly more than Cd, however with considerably lower toxic growth effects. The As/Cd concentration, bioaccumulation and translocation factor and total As content both in roots and shoots of Si-supplied plant were significantly reduced as a protective mechanism, especially in Cd exposed plant. In comparison with single As/Cd treatment, Si supply reduced H2O2 content, increased total soluble protein content and enhanced glutathione S-transferase activity in shoots. The results of this study clearly showed that Si minimized As/Cd uptake and root to shoot translocation, and therefore Si cannot enhance the phytoextraction potential of this plant species. Additionally, Si-improved growth and reduced oxidative damages caused by excess of As and Cd suggested that the similar mechanisms of metal(loid) alleviation are adopted in hyperaccumulators as well as non-hyperaccumulating plants.

Antibacterial Activities of Phytofabricated ZnO and CuO NPs by Mentha pulegium Leaf/Flower Mixture Extract against Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria.

Purpose: In this study, leaf/flower aqueous extract of medicinal plant species Mentha pulegium was used to synthesize ZnO and CuO nanoparticles (NPs) as a cost-effective, one-step, and eco-friendly method. Methods: Physicochemical properties of both metal oxide NPs (MONPs) were determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. Results: Phytofabricated ZnONPs and CuNPs illustrated 65.02±7.55 and 26.92±4.7 nm with antibacterial activities against antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Higher antibacterial activities were observed for CuONPs compared with ZnONPs. Conclusion: Large surface area and more reactivity resulted from smaller size as well as higher production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were considered to antibacterial efficiency of CuONPs against antibiotic-resistant E. coli and S. aureus.

Phytotoxicity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles on Camelina sativa L.

Due to the increased production and release of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the environment, the concerns about the possibility of toxicity and oxidative damage to plant ecosystems should be considered. In the present study, the effects of different concentrations of AgNPs (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 g/L) synthesized using the extract of camelina (Camelina sativa) leaves on the growth and the biochemical traits of camelina seedlings were investigated. The results showed that AgNPs significantly increased Ag accumulation in the roots and shoots which decreased the growth and photosynthetic pigments of camelina seedlings. The highest decrease in the height and total dry weight was observed by 53.1 and 61.8% under 4 g/L AgNPs, respectively over control plants. AgNPs application over 2 g/L enhanced the accumulation of proline, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and methylglyoxal, and up-regulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase) and glyoxalase (glyoxalase I and II) system which indicates oxidative stress induction in camelina seedlings. Moreover, AgNPs reduced ASA and GSH contents and increased DHA and GSSG contents, hence disrupting the redox balance. These results showed that AgNPs at 4 g/L had the most toxic effects on the camelina growth. Therefore, increasing oxidative stress markers and the activity of antioxidant enzymes and enzymes involved in glyoxalase system indicated the oxidative stress induced by AgNPs treatments over 2 g/L as well as the induction of antioxidant defense systems to combat AgNPs-induced oxidative stress.

The effect of NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) and glutathione (GSH) on Isatis cappadocica, under Arsenic (As) toxicity.

The present work was conducted to assess the effects of arsenic (As, 1000 µM), diphenyleneiodonium (DPI, 10 µM) and reduced glutathione (GSH, 500 µM) on Isatis cappadocica. As treatment decreased plant growth and fresh and dry weight of shoot and root and also enhanced the accumulation of As. As stress also enhanced the oxidative stress biomarkers, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. However, the application of GSH decreased the content of H2O2 and MDA by 43% and 55%, respectively, as compared to As treatment. The antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) also enhanced with As stress. NADPH oxidase inhibitor, the DPI, enhances the effect of As toxicity by increasing the accumulation of As, H2O2, MDA. DPI also enhances the activity of antioxidant enzymes except GR and GST, However, the application GSH increased the plant growth and biomass yield, decreases accumulation of As, H2O2 and MDA content in As as well as As + DPI treated plants. The thiols content [total thiol (TT), non-protein thiol (NPT) protein thiols (PT), and glutathione (GSH)] were decreased in the As + DPI treatment but supplementation of GSH enhanced them. Novelty statement: The study reveals the beneficial role of GSH in mitigating the deleterious effects of Arsenic toxicity through its active involvement in the antioxidant metabolism, thiol synthesis and osmolyte accumulation. Apart from As, We provided the plants NADPH oxidase inhibitor, the diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), which boosts the As toxicity. At present, there is dearth of information pertaining to the effects of DPI on plants growth and their responses under heavy metal stress.GSH application reversed the effect of diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) under As stress preventing the oxidative damage to biomolecules through the modulation of different antioxidant enzymes. The application of GSH for As stressed soil could be a sustainable approach for crop production.

Improved physiological defense responses by application of sodium nitroprusside in Isatis cappadocica Desv. under cadmium stress.

Isatis cappadocica is a well-known arsenic-hyperaccumulator, but there are no reports of its responses to cadmium (Cd). Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule, which induces cross-stress tolerance and mediates several physio-biochemical processes related to heavy metal toxicity. In this study, the effects of Cd and sodium nitroprusside (SNP as NO donor) on the growth, defense responses and Cd accumulation in I. cappadocica were investigated. When I. cappadocica was treated with 100 and 200 µM Cd, there was an insignificant inhibition of shoot growth. However, Cd stress at Cd400 treatment decreased significantly the dry weight of root and shoot by 73 and 38%, respectively, as compared to control. The application of SNP significantly improved the growth parameters and mitigated Cd toxicity. In addition, SNP decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by Cd. The increased total thiol and glutathione (GSH) concentrations after SNP application may play a decisive role in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis, thereby protecting plants against oxidative damage under Cd stress. Bovine hemoglobin (Hb as NO scavenger) reduced the protective role of SNP, suggesting a major role of NO in the defensive effect of SNP. Furthermore, the reduction in shoot growth and the increase of oxidative damage were more severe after the addition of Hb, which confirms the protective role of NO against Cd-induced oxidative stress. The protective role of SNP in decreasing Cd-induced oxidative stress may be related to NO production, which can lead to stimulation of the thiols synthesis and improve defense system.

The effect of intravenous tranexamic acid on preventing the progress of cerebral hemorrhage in patients with brain traumatic injuries compared to placebo: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Head trauma is one of the common reasons for patient attendance in the emergency ward. This study investigated the effect of tranexamic acid as a cheap, easily available antifibrinolytic drug on reducing the progress of cerebral hemorrhage compared to placebo. Methods: This double-blind controlled clinical trial was performed on 120 traumatized patients presenting to the emergency room of Shahid Rahnemoon hospital during 2014-2015, Yazd, Iran. Those patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group A received tranexamic acid, while group B received placebo parenterally. Finally, 56 patients in Group A and 44 in Group B were analyzed. The patients underwent brain CT scan and were followed up for ICU stay in days. Also, the number of patients who died during the first 7 days of hospitalization was recorded. The data were analyzed with SPSS20 using independent samples t test and chi-square test. Results: The mean age of the patients was 41±20.27 years. Also, 20 patients (20%) were female and 80 were male (80%). There was no significant difference between the drug group and placebo group in the rate of hemorrhage volume progress (p=0.824). Regarding patients' ICU stay, the ICU stay of the tranexamic acid group decreased significantly compared to the placebo group (p=0.001). No significant difference was found between the intervention group and placebo group in the mortality rate of patients during the first 7 days of hospitalization (p=0.236). Conclusion: Tranexamic acid has no effect on reducing cerebral hemorrhage volume in patients. Although this drug was not effective in reducing mortality rate in patients, it decreased their ICU stay.

The psychological burden of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures: Experience from 4000 participants.

BACKGROUND: In February 2020 the first cases of COVID-19 were identified in Kuwait. Inevitably as many countries worldwide, the general public were negatively affected by the pandemic. Unemployment, uncertainty, distress, increasing deaths, lockdown measures all of which are potential burdens on mental health. AIM: To assess the impact of COVID19 outbreak on mental health in Kuwait, and to explore the potential influencing risk factors. METHODS: We conducted an online questionnaire-based study in Kuwait between 25th May 2020 to 30th May 2020. Questions were based on demographics, lifestyle during outbreak, depression and anxiety assessment. Total PHQ9 and GAD7 scores were calculated for each responder. RESULTS: We had 4132 responders. Most were females (69.31%), married (59.37%), between the age of 21-30 (23.84%) and non-smokers (81.46%). Only (7.96%) had a positive past psychiatric history, (32.04%) had a past history of a chronic medical disease. During the outbreak most of the responders lost their jobs (39.21%) and only (12.83%) were attending work regularly, only (6.82%) worked in the healthcare sector. 59.27% report increased social media use compared to before the lockdown. When asked about their daily time spent following COVID19-related news, most (37.8%) spend more than 2 hours and (7.74%) spend more than 4 hours. The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was (30.13%) and the prevalence of anxiety symptoms was (25.28%). LIMITATIONS: In the cross-sectional nature of the study. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a burden on mental health. Psychological support and mental health awareness should be implemented and made accessible to all individuals during pandemics.